Press Release

National Philanthropy Day Marks Close of United Way Campaign

Thursday, November 16, 1999 - Dayton, OH - More than 500 volunteers and contributors observed National Philanthropy Day by attending the 1999 United Way Campaign Victory Event.

Following the two key strategies of enhancing new business development and bolstering leadership giving, United Way volunteers raised $18, 200,667 this year. The focus on broadening the base of support was successful. New and first-time companies increased by 13.3%, while continued support from small to medium businesses grew 4.5%. The Alexis de Tocqueville Society, which represents gifts of $10,000 or more, increased by 16.7%. The final number reflects an impressive $385,000 new dollars raised throughout the community.

"This is a great year for the community. The RiverScape project raised $9 million to revamp the downtown area, and volunteers are working to raise $30 million for the Second and Main performing arts center," said Phil Parker, who is the President of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and the 1999 United Way Campaign Chair.

"When you see all of those endeavors materializing, it drives home what a success this year's United Way campaign has been. Those are one-time fundraising projects, but I want everyone to realize that this community continually raises more than $18 million year after year! That is a real accomplishment," Parker said.

United Way leadership has already begun discussing the 2000 campaign, whose chair will be Mike McCurdy of Delphi Systems. United Way officials hope to continue on their aggressive path of raising $23 million by 2003.

"We are working toward very aggressive goals. We must continue to increase the funds for the agencies that are demonstrating real results in the community," said Craig Chancellor, United Way President. "I am extremely hopeful we will break some records in the coming years.

" Since a number of campaigns are still wrapping up, Chancellor stressed that it is not too late to contribute. Individuals and companies can still contact United Way at 225-3015 to receive a pledge card and other information. Or contributions can be sent to United Way at 184 Salem Avenue, Dayton, 45406.